Did you know pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the US? It’s kind of a big dill. For those of you unfamiliar with the sport, pickleball shares similarities with tennis, table tennis, and badminton (as well as other paddle ball sports).
What’s up with the name? Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum near Seattle, WA. Joan Pritchard named the sport after the rowing term “pickle boat,” aka a crew made up of leftover rowers, because it throws together elements of different games.
The sport has official rules and regulations and a national governing body — USA Pickleball. Here’s the lowdown on the game so you don’t find yourself in a pickle:
- It can be played indoors or outdoors.
- The court is badminton-sized with a modified tennis net.
- The pickleball itself is made of plastic and has holes, like a wiffleball. The paddle is a little smaller than a tennis racquet.
- It can be played as doubles or singles with 2-4 people.
We could explain all the rules to you — instead we’ll let this helpful video do it for us.
Play comfortably with a cushion grip paddle like these Mod Sport ones.
If you’re not sure what gear you’ll need to play, here’s what we recommend:
- Beginners can purchase a full pickleball set with paddles, balls, and a bag to carry it all.
- Stock up on pickleballs with these Wilson Tru 32 Pickleball Balls — approved by USA Pickleball for competitive play.
- Looking to play at home? Make your own court with these mini markers and this height-adjustable net.
- For paddles with personality, we love this Southwestern-themed paddle, these light pink and green paddles, or this bacon and eggs paddle.
- You can even customize your own paddle with this best-selling option.
Ready to grab a paddle and see what makes pickleball such a big dill? See our guide below on where to play. Bonus: We’ve got a guide on the best gifts for pickleball players.
Charleston
General William Moultrie Playground | 41 Ashley Ave. | Free to play during daylight hours
James Island Recreation Center | 1088 Quail Dr. | Free to members of the Lowcountry Senior Center, and $1 fee for non-members — call (843) 795-5678 to reserve a spot
MUSC Health Wellness Center | 45 Courtenay Dr. | Courts open for singles and doubles and paddles and balls are available — call (843) 792-5944 for additional details
Salvation Army Center | 2135 Ashley River Rd. | $1 per visit | Call (843) 345-9146 for details
St. Andrews Park Recreation Center | 1095 Playground Rd. | $1 per visit | Send an email or call (843) 345-9146 for reservations
Waring Senior Center | 2001 Henry Tecklenburg Dr. | $5 daily pass/members free on outdoor courts — call (843) 402-1990 for updates
Arthur W. Christopher Community Center (Fishburne Gym) | 265 Fishburne St. | Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., $1 per visit
Bees Landing Recreation Center | 1580 Ashley Garden Blvd. | Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Free
North Charleston
Collins Park | 4155 Fellowship Rd., North Charleston | Free, play during park hours — 9 a.m.-8 p.m. — call (843) 552-9446 for more information
North Charleston Athletic Center | 5794 Casper Padgett Way, North Charleston | Free, four pickleball courts — call (843) 345-9146 for updates
Folly Beach
Pirate Cove Courts | 510 E. Erie Ave., Folly Beach | Free, 8 a.m.-sunset
Mount Pleasant
Miriam Brown Community Center | 118 Royall Ave., Mount Pleasant | Drop-in play is free on a first come, first served basis and bring your own paddles and balls — times vary
Park West Gym | 1251 Park West Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Drop-in play is free, bring your own balls and paddles — call (843) 856-2162 for updates
Town Hall Gym | 100 Ann Edwards Ln., Mount Pleasant | Drop-in play is free, bring your own balls and paddles — call (843) 856-2162 for updates
Park West Tennis Courts | 1251 Park West Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Drop-in play is free, bring your own balls and paddles — call (843) 856-2162 for updates
Summerville
Cane Bay Family YMCA | 1655 Cane Bay Blvd., Summerville | $4 per person | Call (843) 719-9622 for updates
Del Webb at Cane Bay | 325 Palmetto Point Dr., Summerville | Must be a resident or guest of a resident to play
Rollins Edwards Community Center | 301 North Hickory St., Summerville | $3 non-members, $1 members — call (843) 510-6012 for updates
Summerville Family YMCA at the Ponds | 101 Pottery Cir., Summerville | Call (843) 771-2934 for more information
Goose Creek
Goose Creek Community Center | 519a North Goose Creek Blvd., Goose Creek | Free for members, $2 per day for non-members
Please note that times, days, fees, and availability are subject to change. Call or email the facility to confirm pickleball schedules.